Why does my horse paw?

Question

When doing ground work with my 4-year old gelding he will sometimes paw the ground with his hoof nearest me. In horse language, what is he saying?

Answer 1

My horse does that too when he gets impatient when I'm putting his tack on or cleaning him

So your horse  probably does that because he is irritated or he's getting impatient

Answer 2

my horse does that 2 but he is just impatitent

Answer 3

alot of horses paw because they are bored and would rather be out with his buddys. so try to make ground work more interesting, dont linger on one excersize, then if he does something good reward him and if he does something super awsome give him a treat and reward him some more.

hope i could help!!

Answer 4

Your horse is telling you he is ready to do something else,or hes bored.Horses also do this when they are tied in a spot for a while.

Answer 5

He may be bored, hungry, aggravated or frustrated etc.

Answer 6

horses paw when they are anticipating something such as food, turn out or exersize...it is because he is used to a routine and anticipates it...also make sure he has a mineral l**k in his stall as in the wild horse paw the ground to try to get minerals below the surface...try and mix up his TRAINING and keep him focused on his work...for example lateral work and transistions really helps with getting his focus on the "NOW"

good luck =]]

Answer 7

Hes boreddd

Answer 8

Most of the time. They are aggravated. Perhaps UN-com table situations, as in ground work. They may become anxious, just as we do.

Now stumping with his hind leg toward you, could be a cow kick. Heat and flies. There are many things he is telling you. Perhaps he is just bored, and need a light ride.

Hungry or hurting some where.

Answer 9

he is saying that he wants you to scratch his chest or he is hungry, or he is just getting flies away. good luck!!

Answer 10

bored,impatient

Answer 11

He is bored and wants to be doing something.  This is a sign of a high energy or spirited horse.  Such horses tend to be too anxious for a beginner to handle safely.  Not saying yours is, just that the tendency is there.

Sorry meant He is bored OR wants to be doing something....  HEE HEE brain freeze.

Answer 12

alot of horses paw when they are bored and want attention. My cousins horses do it all the time they just want attention.

Answer 13

My horse does that when she's begging for a treat, or when I have her tacked up and she's ready to go. Basically, when she paws the ground, she's wanting my attention.

Answer 14

He is either naughty, annoyed, or impatient. Don't let him get away with it either. Stay calm and firmly say no every time he does this. As soon as he stops and focuses on you immediately reward him and move on. GOOD LUCK!